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The experiment worked out wonderfully for all involved. The Yankees paid Matsui the handsome sum of $73 million in two contracts covering six years, and Matsui returned the favor by giving the team professionalism, a reliable left-handed stick and four seasons with 100 or more RBI.

And what might have been the mother of all farewells. The Yankees' 2009 World Series championship was a team effort, but Matsui owned the clincher. He homered, doubled, singled and drove in six runs in New York's 7-3 victory Wednesday to tie the single-game World Series RBI record set by the Yankees' Bobby Richardson in Game 3 of the 1960 World Series.